Articles tagged with Home Care
A community-based intervention package reduced neonatal mortality by 54% and 52% in two groups, respectively. The approach targets high-risk newborn-care practices and can be applied to behaviour change along the continuum of care.
A new study by Geisinger Health System found that improving healthcare value leads to better patient outcomes, including reduced hospital admissions and unnecessary drug costs. The study's initiatives, such as the medical home program and ProvenCare, have eliminated common delivery issues and improved care coordination.
Despite political instability and low income, these countries have made significant strides in child mortality reduction through comprehensive PHC packages, district management systems, and investment in primary care. Cuba's unique approach to preventive care has led to a lower child mortality rate than the US despite having a much low...
A new study published in Health Affairs found that private equity investments in nursing homes have not significantly worsened quality of care. In fact, some aspects of care improved after the transactions, including aide staffing and resident outcomes.
A new study found that hospitals can save significantly by implementing palliative care programs for seriously ill patients. Savings ranged from $279 to $374 per day and up to $2.5 million annually.
The growing demand for long-term care services is straining the workforce, with workers lacking support in pay and work relationships. The studies found that recruitment and retention are industry-wide problems, but also discovered that older people can play a role in addressing these issues.
A study by USC researchers found that daughters-in-law provide essential instrumental support to older women in rural China, reducing depressive symptoms. In contrast, household support from own children is damaging and increases depressive symptoms.
Researchers at Yale University found that fall prevention educational campaigns and interventions can reduce elderly falls by 11%, resulting in fewer hip fractures and head injuries. The study suggests that embedding fall risk assessment and management into clinical practice can lead to significant cost savings.
A Northwestern University study found that more than three-quarters of patients don't fully comprehend their emergency department discharge instructions. Patients who fail to follow instructions may have a higher risk of complications after leaving the hospital, according to lead author Kirsten Engel.
A new report from Purdue University highlights the complexities of pandemic planning, citing issues with staffing, geographic boundaries, and community coordination. The study found that counties with shared borders may experience influxes of non-residents seeking medical care, while others may be isolated due to lack of hospital systems.
A study published in JAMA found that home blood pressure monitoring combined with Web-based pharmacist care can significantly improve blood pressure control in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The treatment resulted in 25% more patients achieving controlled blood pressure compared to usual care.
A new online care program for hypertension has shown promising results, nearly doubling the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure. The 'e-BP' study used web-based care and at-home blood pressure checks to improve treatment outcomes.
A homecare birth strategy significantly reduces neonatal mortality in Bangladeshi communities with weak health systems. The study found that the home-care approach was cost-effective, with a cost per neonatal death averted of $2995.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) is urging comprehensive reforms to address the declining state of primary care medicine in the US. The ACP suggests that payment policies need to be restructured to prioritize patient-centered medical home models, which focus on continuous and coordinated care.
A study by Rush University Medical Center found that elderly patients with chronic illnesses who receive virtual care from a team of medical experts make fewer emergency room visits. This coordinated approach also improves patients' understanding of their medications and enhances communication between physicians.
The 2004 California Long-Term Care Reimbursement Act increased MediCal costs by nearly 9% but failed to improve quality or access to care. Nursing home staffing levels remained lower than recommended numbers, and staff turnover increased significantly.
A systematic review found that complex interventions, such as preventive home visits and community-based care, improved physical function and reduced the need for nursing home care in elderly people. The meta-analysis also showed a reduction in hospital admissions and falls, with benefits evident in studies started before 1993.
A new Commonwealth Fund report analyzes 15 federal policy options to achieve significant short- and long-term savings and greater value in the US health care system. Combining universal coverage with policies aimed at reducing spending could result in substantial savings, including $88 billion from promoting health information technolo...
A home-based geriatric care program for low-income seniors resulted in higher-quality medical care, improvement in quality of life, and fewer emergency department visits. However, the intervention did not prevent decline in physical functioning. The program improved health outcomes without increasing hospital admissions.
The American College of Physicians proposes a pluralistic system with government and private organizations ensuring universal access, or a single-payer system with lower administrative costs. The organization also recommends improving patient care coordination, disease prevention, and reducing healthcare administration costs.
Patients report feeling uncertain about out-of-hours primary care services, with concerns over appropriateness and responsiveness. Staffing issues and slow handling times are also cited as key problems, highlighting the need for better patient experience monitoring.
Patients using out-of-hours services report feeling uncertain about the appropriateness of their calls and concerns about slow case handling. Despite this, many are happy with the quality of service once they speak to a healthcare professional.
The Brown University team will collect data on nursing homes across the US to analyze state policies and their impact on long-term care. The goal is to develop sound state policies based on real data to ensure elderly Americans receive high-quality, cost-effective care.
A study found that correcting refractive error in nursing home residents with eyeglasses improves their quality of life and reduces depressive symptoms. The study showed a significant improvement in visual acuity and quality-of-life scores after two months.
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds US adults are most likely to report medical errors, go without care due to costs, and support rebuilding the healthcare system. The US ranks last in saying only minor changes are needed, with high out-of-pocket costs and great problems paying medical bills.
A global survey found that fewer people in less developed countries with mental disorders sought services compared to those in high-income countries. The U.S. population used services the most at 18%, while Nigeria had the lowest rate at 1.6%.
The UK Human Rights Act's implementation has been criticized for providing little more than lip service to the human rights of elderly people in care. Despite acknowledging good care, a parliamentary report highlights a lack of understanding among service providers and policymakers about the act's principles.
A study found that individuals living in nursing homes and taking medication to lower blood pressure are more likely to die from heatstroke. Being confined to bed and unable to care for oneself also increase the risk of death. Conversely, visiting cool environments and increasing social contact can lead to better outcomes.
Several health reform bills before Congress could lead to significant improvements in health care quality and efficiency. These bills focus on changing payment systems, which hold the greatest promise for health care savings and quality improvement. However, they do not address an overarching strategy or gaps in implementation.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that diabetics spend more days in the intensive care unit and have more complications during hospitalization for trauma. Diabetics are also less likely to be discharged home and require skilled nursing care after discharge.
A study of Alabama nursing home residents found that over half were visually impaired but had no record of recent eye examinations. The high rates of visual impairment among nursing home residents may be attributed to various factors, including limited accessibility and a shortage of eye care professionals.
A new report from The Commonwealth Fund shows that providing minority patients with a 'medical home' can help eliminate racial and ethnic health care disparities. When insured adults have access to regular care and coordination, they are more likely to manage chronic conditions, receive preventive care, and have better health outcomes.
A recent study found that children with serious complex illnesses are more likely to die at home than in hospitals, especially among African American and Hispanic patients. The shift towards home care raises questions about how to provide optimal care and resources for very sick children.
A study found that the percentage of deaths from complex chronic conditions occurring at home increased significantly between 1989 and 2003, especially for infants and adolescents. This shift may be attributed to advances in home-based medical technology and changes in attitudes towards pediatric palliative care and hospice services.
A new study finds that people with Alzheimer's disease experience accelerated cognitive decline after being placed in a nursing home. However, those with prior adult day care experience fare better during the transition. The research suggests that experience in day care programs may help prepare individuals for institutional living.
A study found that high-quality early childhood care reduced depressive symptoms in young adults from low-income families. The intervention also moderated the negative effects of their home environments on mental health, highlighting the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood experiences for poor children.
Researchers found that doubling state spending on these services reduces the risk of nursing home admission among childless seniors by 35 percent. States' varying levels of commitment to providing these services have been linked to different outcomes for seniors with and without family support.
A new study from the University of Alberta reveals that community-dwelling spouses of elderly individuals in long-term care facilities are heavily involved in their partners' lives. Despite common assumptions, marriage-sustaining activities continue, such as shared hobbies and regular visits.
A survey found that more than two-thirds of informal caregivers for disabled older adults at the end of life reported feeling rewarded, despite providing over 40 hours of care per week. These caregivers often experienced emotional, physical, and financial strains but also derived benefits from the person they were caring for.
A recent study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers shows that providing extra support to caregivers can lead to less depression and increased use of adult day services. This approach also reduces the need for nursing home placements.
A tailored intervention addressing five areas of caregiving challenges improved quality of life and reduced clinical depression among caregivers. Hispanic and white participants saw the greatest benefits, while African-American spouse-caregivers also showed improvement in specific areas.
Researchers found that obstructive lung disease patients received only about half of the recommended medical care, with significant variations between asthma and COPD patients. The study estimates that improving care could save lives, such as by increasing oxygen treatment for COPD patients and steroid treatment for asthmatic patients.
A study found that enhanced caregiver support and counseling delayed nursing home placement by 1.5 years, improving caregivers' tolerance for patient behavior and increasing satisfaction with social support. This intervention could potentially save $90,000 per patient in nursing home care costs.
The Hospital Clínic's at-home bone marrow transplant program has shown promising results in reducing febrile episodes and hospital readmissions. By treating patients in their homes, the program improves quality of life and reduces hospitalization expenses by half. The program is now a routine service for one out of three cancer patients.
A national study led by Queen's University Professor Daren Heyland found that only one-third of patients have discussed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with their physicians. Elderly patients are often ill-equipped to participate in such discussions and make decisions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that seniors who give up driving are less likely to enter nursing homes or assisted living centers than those who have never driven. The study included extensive interviews with 1,593 seniors between 65 and 84 years old.
A study by Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and Leuven University Hospital found that coordinated primary and hospital care can significantly reduce readmissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The integrated approach includes home care services, which resulted in a 50% lower rate of readmissions compared to...
A study found that annual rates of hip fracture among Swiss female nursing home residents decreased by 1.3% per year during the 1990s. This decrease was linked to improved prescription of calcium and vitamin D, as well as enhanced preventative care regarding risk factors for falls.
A collaborative care approach involving primary care physicians and advanced practice nurses significantly reduced behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients. This resulted in lower caregiver stress and depressive symptoms without the use of anti-psychotics or sedative medications.
A study found that new mothers experience six common postpartum symptoms, including fatigue, breast discomfort, and decreased desire for sex. Women who had cesarean sections reported significantly worse physical health than those who gave birth vaginally. Breastfeeding was also linked to more symptoms.
A Canadian study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients and family members prioritized having confidence and trust in their doctors' care over dying at home. The results suggest that current efforts to support more patients dying at home may be misguided.
Home health care nurses using motivational enhancement counseling techniques significantly improved smoking cessation rates compared to standard care. Patients in the motivational enhancement group were more likely to quit and had lower cigarette consumption, highlighting the potential of this approach to promote public health.
A study of focus groups with 73 participants found diverse views on healthcare, spirituality, family, and dying among different racial and ethnic groups. Cultural values and Western medical system's limitations influence these differences.
A new study by the University at Buffalo, Yale University, and Oregon Health and Science University found that hospital-level care can be provided at home for less money and with fewer clinical complications. The program, called Hospital at Home, resulted in fewer important clinical complications, greater satisfaction, and lower total ...
A study found that 60% of healthcare providers, parents, and childcare workers knew the national guidelines for common childhood ailments only 60% of the time. Temporary exclusions are designed to prevent disease spread, but inconsistent application can lead to contentious issues between parents and caregivers.
The capacity for assisted living and in-home care nearly doubled between 1990 and 2002, while nursing home beds declined by 7.4% during the same period. The growth of these alternative care options is attributed to shifting long-term care policies and increasing demand for community-based services.
Recent study examines ELBW infants born in 1992-1995, revealing 64% with chronic conditions, including cerebral palsy, asthma, and low IQ. These children require specialized medical and educational services to manage their needs, highlighting the importance of proactive planning.
Researchers found a significant decrease in nursing injuries with increased staffing levels, particularly in for-profit homes. The study's findings have implications for Canadian healthcare, highlighting the need for policy changes to prioritize quality care over profits.
A study found that disease reinfection rates for TB were four times higher than new cases in South Africa. Additionally, researchers discovered that low-dose spiral computer-based tomography (CT) screening can lead to an early diagnosis of lung cancer in a high proportion of cases.
A study published in Home Healthcare Nurse found that home care nurses value professional autonomy, collaborative relationships with physicians, and access to resources to provide quality care. Implementing these traits can help reduce nurse turnover and improve patient outcomes in home health care agencies.